For the Phillies, this year isn't about Nola's becoming a dominant minor-league pitcher. Jordan said the target is for Nola to throw around 160 or 170 total innings, including the 1161/3 he threw in the spring for Louisiana State, by the end of the summer.

The organization is working on getting Nola used to a five-day pitching rotation instead of the seven-day rotation used in college. It will be a gradual process, and Jordan expects Nola to pitch every six days for the time being.

Nola made his pro debut Monday and pitched three innings, as scheduled. He pitched well for the first two innings but allowed four earned runs in the third. He also uncharacteristically walked three batters. His next start will be Tuesday.